Microsoft Hires Former NBC Executive Jada Miranda to Run Production for New Studio (Exclusive)

Microsoft has hired former NBC and HBO executive Jada Miranda to head production for its nascent entertainment division, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.

Miranda will report to Nancy Tellem, whom Microsoft hired last September as president of Entertainment & Digital Media.

At the time, Microsoft said Tellem, the former president of the CBS Television Entertainment Group, would oversee the launch of a new production studio. That studio will create interactive and linear content under the umbrella of the game division at Microsoft. It is part of the company’s efforts to turn Xbox, one of the world's top gaming consoles, into a destination for all types of entertainment.

Tellem needs to build out her staff in order to develop series available exclusively on Xbox as well as interactive narrative content that uses new technology to engage the viewer.

Microsoft declined to comment on the hire, and neither Tellem nor Miranda immediately responded to requests for comment.

Miranda has extensive experience in the development and production of shows, most recently at NBC. She worked at the network from 2010 until September of last year as the SVP of Drama, developing shows, such as “The Playboy Club,” ‘Grimm” and ‘The Firm.”

Prior to that she worked at HBO for eight years, overseeing the pilot of “Entourage,” spearheading the acquisition of the Emmy-winning Ricky Gervais show “Extras” and producing the first season of “How to Make it in America.”